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2 October 2014 | Grace&Glory
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OCTOBER 2014
™
contents on the cover: Dr. Donté L. Hickman
Southern Baptist Church 1701 Chester Street Baltimore, MD 21213 410-732-8566 www.southernbaptistchurch.org
Special Features
8-10 Q&A INTERVIEW DR. DONTÉ L. HICKMAN “Clergy Appreciation Salutes” 13
Feature Articles 14 MAYOR’S JOURNAL Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Walking in the Light
26 WOMAN’S PERSPECTIVE Tiffany Bethea
Look In The Mirror
34 WORD ON FINANCES Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson
Taking Control Of Your Finances
36 TEEN CONNECT 16 GOVERNOR’S PAGE Governor Martin O’Malley
Better Choices, Better Results
18 EDUCATION DIGEST
28 SINGLE LIFE
Dr. Monique Flemings
Falling In Love With Yourself
32 BOOK SHELF
www.besmartbewell.com
Teen Dating Abuse
42 UNTITLED
Andrea Ireland
God's Heart for Ethiopia
Dr. Tim Tooten
Brandie Manigault/Siobhan Saulsbury
46 MAN TALK
Turn It Off
Redeeming Love (Francine Rivers)
Alan L. Jones
God Is In Control
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Healthy Mind 30 TO YOUR GOOD HEALTH
Entertainment
Carla J. Debnam, (Founder, Renaissance Christian Counseling Center)
44 GOSPEL INDUSTRY NEWS
Behind Closed Doors
Healthy Soul
Ericka Johnson
In Every Issue Contributors............................................ 6 From the Editor....................................... 7
40 WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT
Donna Williams-Ross, (In Trust Ministries)
Spreading The Good News
Scripture Page...................................... 12
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For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84:11
Contributors PUBLISHER/ Jackie Epps EDITOR-IN-CHIEF EDITORIAL
Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Harold A. Carter, Jr. Cassandra Vaughn-Fox Herline A. Knights Pastors Gregory and Tonya Dennis Carla J. Debnam Donna Williams-Ross Governor Martin O’Malley Ericka Johnson Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake Rev. Tim Tooten Brandie Manigault Tiffany Bethea Dr. Monique Flemings
PHOTOGRAPHY Mark L. Dennis Alan L. Jones GRAPHIC ARTIST Claire Lesesne-Nalley www.JandCDesigns.com WEB ADMINISTRATOR Andre Felipe for Arts Period www.artsperiod.com PRINTING Roebuck & Son Printing www.hgroebuck.com Grace & Glory Magazine is published monthly by JE Media, LLC, a Baltimore based, independent publisher. Copyright 2014. All rights reserved. Reproduction without expressed permission is prohibited.
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Advisory Board
Chairman — Dr. A.C. D. Vaughn Sr. Pastor, Sharon Baptist Church, MD Vice-Chairman — Dr. Frank M. Reid III Sr. Pastor, Bethel A.M.E. Church, MD Dr. Michael A. Battle Sr., U.S. Ambassador President, ITC Seminary, Atlanta, GA Dr. Timothy Boddie Friendship Baptist Church, Atlanta, GA Bishop John R. Bryant Presiding Prelate of the 5th Episcopal District Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr. Pastor, New Shiloh Baptist Church, MD Dr. Suzan Johnson Cook, U.S. Ambassador Dr. WIlliam H. Curtis Mt. Ararat Baptist Church, Pittsburgh, PA Bishop Ralph L. Dennis Sr. Pastor, Kingdom Worship Center, MD Wanda Q. Draper/Media Executive Michele J.K. Epps/Health Sciences Cassandra Vaughn Media Executive Dr. Donte’ L. Hickman, Sr. Pastor, Southern Baptist Church, MD Pastor Timothy V. Manigault Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Word on Finances Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, Sr. Pastor, New Psalmist Baptist Church, MD Dr. Timothy Tooten, Sr. Pastor, Harvest Christian Ministries, MD
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from the editor
Honoring God’s Anointed
October is National Clergy Appreciation Month. This month congregations all over the nation will take time out to honor their Pastors. It is Biblical for a church to recognize and honor the men and women of God who serve faithfully the flock of God. Paul wrote the following words to the church at Thessalonica: “Now we ask you, brothers, to respect those who work hard among you, who are over you in the Lord and who admonish you. Hold them in the highest regard in love because of their work . . .” (I Thessalonians 5:12-13) It is clear from scripture that the faithful and dedicated Pastors of our churches are worthy of appreciation and honor. Clergy Appreciation Day provides an excellent opportunity for our churches to affirm their love and appreciation for those who are called by God and who lead their congregations in fulfilling the Great Commission. Their responsibility is to equip God's people to do His work and build up the church, the Body of Christ. Pastors and other ministers work tirelessly caring for their flock. A minister's work day is rarely a "9-5" job, and they cannot go home at the "end" of the day and just leave all the occupational problems at the office. A Pastor is never off-duty
and he is always on call. If we stop for a moment and think about all he does we would be more sensitive to our Pastor’s needs. We should always lift our Pastors in prayer and ask the Lord to surround them with loving care, to give them strength and walk with them, and to help them with the burdens that they must bear. Many of us have been members of our churches for many years. If you look back over the years, I believe that you would agree that our pastors have played major roles in the fabric of our lives. They have prayed for us, taught us, corrected us and guided us. Our pastors have celebrated and laughed with us in the good times, cried with us in times of sorrow and loved us when we weren’t so lovable. As we celebrate Clergy Appreciation Month, remember to thank God for the precious gifts He has bestowed upon us, His anointed men and women of God, our beloved Pastors! “And He gave some apostles; and some, prophets; and some evangelists; and some pastors and teachers; For the perfecting of the saints, for the work of the ministry, for the edifying of the body of Christ.” Ephesians 4:11-12 Peace and blessings . . .
Jackie Epps Editor-in-Chief
October Is Also: Breast Cancer Awareness Month Breast Cancer Awareness Month is an annual campaign to increase awareness of the disease. The National Breast Cancer Foundation's mission is to help women now by providing help and inspiring hope to those affected by breast cancer through early detection, education and support services.
Domestic Violence Awareness Month Domestic Violence Awareness Month evolved from the first Day of Unity observed in October, 1981 by the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence. The intent was to connect battered women's advocates across the nation who were working to end violence against women and their children. www.gracenglorymagazine.org 7
Q&A
INTERVIEW WITH
Dr. Donté L. Hickman Southern Baptist Church Baltimore – Harford County
Twelve Years A Grateful Servant of Jesus Christ G&G: Pastor Hickman, this month you are celebrating your 12th Pastoral Anniversary at the Southern Baptist Church. To God Be the Glory! Let’s jump right in. The saying goes, “My how time flies when you are having fun”. Did the years fly by for you and are you having ‘fun’? How are you really feeling about all of this? Dr. Hickman: Thank you Jackie! These years have really flown by for me. I can’t believe that 12 years have passed by so quickly. And I can honestly say that Dr. Donté L. Hickman what has made these years a great experience for me is having a great church filled with supportive leaders and disciples who have embraced very challenging visions and they have helped me to grow as a Christ-centered and critically thinking leader. Also, over these twelve years I have had multiple foci as I have been engaged in growing my family, community development, multiple site ministry, social justice issues, and learning new disciplines such as serving as
Southern Baptist Church – Baltimore Location
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a Commissioner on the Port Authority of Maryland. And so I have not been conscious of the time as I have been focused on successfully accomplishing various parts of what I believe to be the whole objective of God for my ministry and life. G&G: Pastor Hickman, if you were to sum up these last 12 years in three words what would they be and why? Dr. Hickman: I HAVE GROWN! I have learned so much about me as I have tried to lead others. There have been so many mistakes and misunderstandings that I have had to overcome, endure, and expand my thinking through. I have learned that transformational ministry in any church and community really begins with personal critique and change. G&G: Pastor Hickman, during these last 12 years, you have added multiple worship sites that offer five worship opportunities, did you ever think to yourself what in the world have I gotten myself into? Many have thrown in the towel with less, have you ever been close to just quitting ministry all together? What makes you stick it out? Dr. Hickman: There have been many days that I have asked that question of many things. Pastoring is not for the faint of heart and people who are looking for overnight success. When Jesus said, “Be faithful over a few things and I will make you ruler over many”, he never put a time stamp on it. I have learned that faithfulness is not merely a means to an end, but it’s a mentality that stays with a thing because you have been called to it and not just to get through it. It’s in the process of sticking it out that you begin to experience the
Southern Baptist Church – Harford County Aberdeen Location
Dr. Hickman & Governor O’Malley/Economic development mission in Brazil representing Maryland Port Authority
Q&A intangibles and unimaginable growth and blessings. Ultimately, it is our results, impact, creativity, and problem solving that has kept me going and growing. G&G: Pastor Hickman, in today’s society ministry is very diverse, have you ever been criticized for your ideology and work in the ministry; how do you handle it when it comes? How do you stay focused and true to your calling? Dr. Hickman: Criticism comes with the territory of leadership. It is important for me as a leader to be a critical thinker and Christcentered minister. Ministry for me doesn’t run on automatic pilot and routine. I am always assessing and measuring where I am, how I can improve and am I really doing what The Lord wants me to do. No matter what, I have to be true to who I am, what I feel, and how I am spiritually corrected Lady Danielle & Dr. Donte’ Hickman and directed. And in most instances I have discovered that when I stay grounded, focused, courageous, integrous and bold, people may not always agree or understand immediately, but they respect me as a leader. Jesus said in Acts 1:8, that we would be given the Holy Ghost to become effective witnesses ultimately to the world. Being an effective witness at any level requires engagement and empathy beyond our own ideological frameworks and social origins. It is about embracing and transforming people as Christ embraced and transformed me. G&G: Pastor Hickman, what (if any) would you say have been significant struggles or difficult periods since adding multiple worship locations? What has been your proudest moment since you added multiple worship locations? Dr. Hickman: A church is a church is a church. I have seen some people come and some people go and many people have become engrafted into the ministry fabric of our church. God has sustained our ministry and established it beyond our East Baltimore borders. Consistency is the key to growth and sustainability in any church
Expansion site of Panama Canal in Panama City, Panama
and organization. It has been four years since we implemented the multiple site ministry concept and I am proud to say that The Lord has amazingly blessed our faithfulness. I never expected to acquire property and to be able to build a church, yet alone need to build another ministry facility. Adding the multi-site ministry concept has added another dimension of ministry understanding, diversity and application to our church and to me towards being a more balanced, substantive and spiritually guided minister. G&G: Pastor Hickman, what do you have planned to help celebrate your 12th Pastoral Anniversary? Dr. Hickman: We will celebrate this milestone with one dedicated Sunday of services featuring local Pastors who have been some of my closest friends, mentors, and powerful preachers such as Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., Pastor Jimmy Baldwin, Dr. A.C.D. Vaughn, and Rev. Sheleta Fomby, one of the strongest and most anointed preachers I have ever heard.
♦♦♦
G&G: Pastor Hickman, congratulations on the release of your first new book, The Power of Being Underestimated. So tell us about this project and how it all began. First, what inspired you to write your first book? What was the motivation behind writing a book; was this something you’ve always wanted to do? Dr. Hickman: For years I have wanted to share excerpts and insights of my story to encourage others on their journey to exceeding selfimposed limitations and socialized expectations. On one occasion I was watching Oprah Winfrey interview Quincy Jones and they both began to summarize their journeys with this colloquial phrase, “The Power of Being Underestimated”. That’s when it hit me that that was the impetus that I would continue to write my story. It is no doubt in mind that everyone has a predestined plan and purpose from God for our lives. But many times we don’t achieve it because of delimiting comments and impositions of others and ourselves. While it is impossible to avoid the negativisms of life, it is entirely possible to maximize them in the efficacy of our potential and promise. We can actually embrace the positives out of negative put down experience Continued on page 10
Dr. Hickman book signing
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Q&A Q&A Continued from page 9
and use it to add value and vision and assist us toward victory in our pursuit of fulfilling God’s purposes for our lives. G&G: Pastor Hickman, please explain the title, The Power of Being Underestimated. How would you categorize this book . . . self-help, motivational, inspirational, etc.? What is the purpose and message of the book and who do you recommend should read it? Dr. Hickman: The Power of Being Underestimated is about overcoming and maximizing personal and public perceptions that may purposefully or inadvertently undermine the true value of our character, commitment and contribution in life. This book is a motivational resource and didactic tool for people who need to navigate through the wilderness of discouraging voices toward their destiny. And it can also help teachers, parents, and supervisors to understand human interactions and how to best motivate people toward their better selves. G&G: Pastor Hickman, are there experiences in the book based on your own life? What was the hardest part of writing this book and did you learn anything from writing your book? Dr. Hickman: The book is based upon my life experiences and social engagements from my adolescence to my adult ministry. I wanted to make sure that my transparency could identify with the struggles of others and empower people towards their own critical evaluations and transformation. G&G: Pastor Hickman, what books have most influenced your life and do you have a favorite author? What are you reading now? Dr. Hickman: I have been greatly influenced by books like Emotional Intelligence 2.0 by Travis Bradberry; Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwel; The Church in Emerging Culture edited by Leonard Sweet and The 48 Laws of Power by Robert Greene. I am currently reading, Only the Paranoid Survive: How To Exploit the Crisis Points That Challenge Every Company by Andrew S. Grove. G&G: Pastor Hickman, when someone reads The Power of Being Underestimated, what do you want them to grasp and walk away with after having read it? Dr. Hickman: I want people to read The Power of Being
Dr. Hickman & SBC Harford County Ushers
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Underestimated and walk away with a renewed sense of purpose and an appreciation for every puzzle piece toward the masterpiece that is their life and destiny. All things really do work together for the good of them that love The Lord and are the called according to His purpose. Our lives and experiences have meaning that must be analyzed, reflected upon, and intentionally learned from in order for us to grow, pursue fulfillment and make a significant contribution. ♦♦♦ G&G: Pastor Hickman, lastly what are you working on currently for the ministry? Will there be a second book? What’s next on the horizon for the Southern Baptist Church? Dr. Hickman: We are breaking ground this month on the Mary Harvin Senior Housing and Transformation Center. It will be 61 units of affordable housing for our senior citizen population and it will also facilitate needed community health services to enable us to restore people as we rebuild properties in East Baltimore. We are also completing the acquisition phase of over 100 properties to continue to revitalize our community with housing and mixed use development in East Baltimore as well as establishing a permanent facility for ministry in Harford County, as we seek to open a new location in 2015. My second book is on the horizon. It will deal with the nuts and bolts of community development as Baltimore and major cities across America desperately need revitalization in our historically African American urban communities. I have learned many things procedurally, politically, economically, and communally that can help our churches to get on the forefront of redeveloping the communities that we are anchored in and have a responsibility to. G&G: Pastor Hickman, this has become one of my favorite questions, after 12 years as pastor of the Southern Baptist Church, what would you say you now know for sure? Dr. Hickman: I know for sure that God is in control and He is slow to anger and very merciful. I have also learned that we all need patience and love to grow into an understanding of ourselves and other people. Sometimes we rush to change and to grow before we discover who we are and what we have. These last twelve years have taught me how to depend on God and He has kept and immensely blessed me, my family, and the Southern Baptist Church. I am 12 Years A Grateful Servant of Jesus Christ!
Dr. Hickman & Sons Donte’ Jr. & Dawson
bio leadership in today’s culture Reverend Hickman enrolled in the Executive Master of Business Administration program at the Sellinger School of Business of Loyola College in Maryland. Reverend Hickman has studied abroad in South and Southern Africa during the Centennial Celebration of the African Methodist Episcopal Church. He has achieved certification in Clinical Pastoral Education at the Grady Memorial Hospital in Atlanta, Georgia, during the summer of the Olympics. Reverend Hickman has served as the Assistant to the Pastor of Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church of Baltimore, Maryland for three years and served as Senior Pastor in Philadelphia, PA for two years. Being led by the Spirit of the Lord Reverend Hickman returned to Baltimore to become the fourth Pastor of the Southern Baptist Church.
Dr. Donté L. Hickman
I
t was on Easter Sunday in 1987, when Reverend Hickman accepted Christ as his personal Savior, and was baptized and fellowshipped into the Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Reverend Hickman, being obedient to the call of God on his life to preach the life changing gospel of Jesus Christ, preached his initial sermon on May 2, 1990. Reverend Hickman was ordained in August 1994 at the Gillis Memorial Christian Community Church in Baltimore, Maryland under the leadership of Dr. Theodore C. Jackson, Jr. Pastor Donté Hickman is a remarkable example of what faith in God can do. Having been raised in a single parent home in Edmondson Village under tremendous peer pressure it seemed as if Reverend Hickman would become another statistic. He was expelled from three High Schools living a life that was destined for failure. Nevertheless, with the help of God, the church, his faithful mother and an inner determination he turned his life around starting with passing the G.E.D. examination without any preparation or success beyond the tenth grade. On May 2, 1994, Reverend Hickman earned the Bachelor of Arts Degree from Wiley College in Marshall, Texas. On June 6, 1997, he earned the Master of Divinity Degree from Garrett-Evangelical Theological Seminary in Evanston, Illinois. And on May 8, 2006, Reverend Hickman earned the Doctor of Ministry Degree from Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington, D.C. Recognizing the need for a new standard and mind-set for ministry
On Sunday, October 6, 2002, Reverend Hickman was called and presented to the congregation as the new pastor of Southern Baptist Church in Baltimore, Maryland. Since assuming the Pastorate of Southern the church has experienced phenomenal growth. With a focus on church health beyond church growth, Reverend Hickman began his ministry at Southern by teaching the leadership and membership the purpose driven church model for ministry. He led the congregation in developing a vision and mission statement for the church that balanced the church’s efforts around evangelism, worship, discipleship, fellowship, and ministry leadership. Rev. Hickman led the church in a $1/2 million dollar renovation, initiated a strong marketing program, a television and radio broadcast ministry, developed a ministerial and executive staff, and organized the auxiliaries of the church toward maximizing ministry and outreach. Dr. Donte’ Hickman has a evangelistic burden for community development and outreach. In 2004, he commissioned task forces from a cross section of the membership to determine the demographic needs of our East Baltimore community to develop a multi-generational strategy of revitalization. Under the mantra of Restoring People and Rebuilding Properties, Pastor Hickman led the church in a major campaign of property acquisition to build another sixty unit Senior Housing facility, a Transformation Center to administer health, workforce development, behavioral counseling, and community services, an Early Headstart Youth Enrichment Center, Affordable Homes, Mixed-use Commercial Development, and Church Expansion to meet the ministry needs of a rapidly growing congregation. The vision is becoming reality. Continuing to be intentional about evangelism and discipleship, Pastor Hickman led the church in the multi-site ministry concept. In September 2010, he established Southern Baptist Church in Harford County in the Regal Cinema in Belair, Md. And in five short months, Southern Harford outgrew the four hundred seat facility and moved to the Aberdeen High School to double the capacity. In September 2011, he established Southern Baptist Church in Anne Arundel County at the Arundel High School in Gambrills, Md. With the development of these sites, the Baltimore location continued to grow necessitating a third morning service and a new Saturday Night Live service in Anne Arundel County at the Ridgeway Elementary School in Severn, Md. Today, Southern Baptist Church is one church in multiple locations with five services every weekend and over 3000 members. Reverend Hickman is a member of the Omega Psi Phi Fraternity Inc., where he has served as the Chaplain for the distinguished Pi Omega Chapter. As a community leader and entrepreneur Reverend Hickman was appointed by the honorable Mayor Martin O’Malley to serve as one of the Housing Commissioners for the Housing Authority Board of Baltimore City. And in 2012 Governor O’Malley appointed Pastor Hickman to the Maryland Port Authority Commission. Dr. Hickman has received numerous citations and awards and is most proud to be the recipient of the Baltimore Tuskegee Alumni Distinguished Service Award. Reverend Donté L. Hickman is happily married to the former Miss Danielle Curtis and they are the proud parents of two kingdom purposed children, Donté’ Lamont Hickman, Jr. and Dawson Luke Hickman.
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scripture
1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT) 1 Thessalonians 5:12-13 (NLT) 12
Dear brothers and sisters, honor those who are your leaders in the Lord’s work. They work hard among you and give you spiritual guidance. 13 Show them great respect and wholehearted love because of their work. And live peacefully with each other.
Hebrews 13:7 (NLT) 7
Remember your leaders who taught you the word of God. Think of all the good that has come from their lives, and follow the example of their faith.
Lord, thank You for the pastors and spirituaL Leaders who have input into our Lives. heLp us to gLean knowLedge and understanding of Your waYs from them so that we can know You better. bLess them and heLp them to aLwaYs be the men and women of god You created them to be.
National Clergy Appreciation Day October 12, 2014
12 12 October October 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
clergy appreciation
Pastors Rodney and Tina Comer, Kingdom Harvest Worship Center in Norcross, GA “I appreciate the 1 Corinthians 13 type of love that flows from them through every aspect of the ministry!” – Erica Lee
Bishop Walter Scott Thomas, New Psalmist Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD “I appreciate how Dr. Thomas is able to reach diverse groups of people with his practical teachings. I admire how he lives his life as a Christian first and then the pastor.” – Michele Epps
♦♦♦ Pastor Eugene B. Holmes Jr., Bibleway Missionary Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD “Thanks so much for your love and leadership.” – Lady Tawanda Holmes
♦♦♦ Pastor David Anderson, Bridgeway Community Church, Columbia, MD “We appreciate the realness of your ministry and the gift of the Holy Spirit working through you.” – Alan and Bettie Jones ♦♦♦ Pastor Jud Wilhite, Central Christian Church, Henderson, NV “I like how my pastor teaches that it’s okay to not be OK, God loves us even in our imperfectness.” – Shayla Devore
♦♦♦ Pastor Matt Woodfill, The Way Church in The Woodlands, TX “I appreciate you for being the most compassionate, gentle, supportive, giving, teaching pastor on this side of Texas. You are awesome!” – Amber Harris ♦♦♦ Pastor Choice Harris, Christian Faith Fellowship Church Round Lake, Round Lake, IL “You are appreciated for your love and relentless zeal for not only your community but the kingdom of God. Thank you.” ♦♦♦ Celeste Taylor (Children’s Pastor), International Praise Church of God, Elgin, SC “I love my pastor because she cares about everyone and she wants us to have knowledge in the Bible.” – Jayla Clark ♦♦♦ Senior Pastor B. Doyle Roberts, International Praise Church of God, Elgin, SC “We love the fact that our pastor lives what he preaches. – John & Pat Saulsbury ♦♦♦ Senior Pastor Kevin Odor, Canyon Ridge Christian Church, Las Vegas, NV “I appreciate the love and acceptance expressed by the pastor and other leaders.” – Siobhan Saulsbury
♦♦♦ Pastors Craig and Cheryl Mason, Christian Faith Fellowship Church, Zion, IL. “Thank you for your love and support over the years, and for being examples of evolving leadership... willing to learn and progress as the times and circumstances dictate.” ♦♦♦ Dr. Harold A. Carter, Jr., New Shiloh Baptist Church, Baltimore, MD “I appreciate my Pastor because he preaches the Word of God with authority. His teaching of the Word shows his passion and love for God. I have personally found him to be a trustworthy and kindhearted person.” – Deacon Linda Whitaker ♦♦♦ Tim Manigault, Exec. Pastor Worship Arts, Rancho Community Church, Temecula, CA “Pastor Tim is kind. He is always thinking the best of everybody and considers others first. I watch him minister to people and see his love for them show so clearly on his face. He is one of the most Christ-like men I know! It is our pleasure and privilege to know him.” – George and Robin Carrasco ♦♦♦ Rev. Dr. Stephen W. Pogue, Great Centennial AME Zion Church, Mt. Vernon, NY “An exciting teacher/preacher of God’s word.” – Deidra Manigault
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mayor’s journal
Walking in the Light Winners of Growing Green Design Competition Announced by Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake
Last month, I was pleased to announce the winners of the Growing Green Design Competition: Vacant Lots Transformed. The seven winning projects were awarded close to $300,000 to design and construct their concepts in Baltimore City neighborhoods. We launched the Growing Green Design Competition in May to create an opportunity for community groups, design firms, nonprofits, and private partners to showcase innovative ideas for transforming vacant lots and blighted properties in Baltimore City communities. Projects were informed by The Green Pattern Book—the Growing Green Initiative tool used to guide the greening of vacant land. The book outlines eight different project types, or “patterns,” for stabilizing and re-using vacant land while reducing stormwater runoff and providing community benefits such as urban agriculture or green space. Our goal in creating the Green Pattern Book was to give communities a place to start and to save them time and energy by identifying practices that are relevant in transforming underserved communities in Baltimore. The Chesapeake Bay Trust, a nonprofit organization that awards grants to advance green infrastructure and improve community engagement in environmental issues, managed the applications and organized the selection process. You can find out more information about the Growing Green Initiative at www.baltimoresustainability.org. Growing Green Design Competition Winners Civic Works, $50,000 The Dayspring Green Parking Lot will be transformed into a pocket park with communal green space that will decrease stormwater runoff, and serve as a model for other green parking sites.
Real Food Farm, 63,800 The Flower Factory at Broadway East project employs community-minded design principles to integrate stormwater management and a new brand of urban agriculture: cut flower production.
Jane’s House of Inspiration, $43,590 The A-MAZE-N Recovery Fruit Garden will be built on an abandoned lot in northeast Baltimore to increase access to fresh food for residents, educate the community about healthy food choices, and to beautify the neighborhood.
Civic Works, $15,800 The Gateway Garden will be an ornamental, interactive ecological community green space. The garden will provide stormwater and drinking water filtration and a welcoming entrance to the community,
Hollins Roundhouse Association, $13,010 This project will repurpose two vacant corner lots into a green space that can be used for recreation and a public arts and entertainment space while providing stormwater management.
Druid Heights CDC, $49,700 This project seeks to redevelop two adjacent lots to create a Peace Park, a colorful, functional, environmentally conscious and sustainable site that will serve as a gathering place for the community.
Chesapeake Bay Foundation, $56,450 The project focuses on impervious surface removal and the restoration of native plants. The stormwater efforts will result in 242,000 fewer gallons runoff annually and will beautify and transform the community. Mayor Stephanie Rawlings-Blake publishes her “Walking in the Light” column each month in Grace and Glory Magazine.
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governor’s page
Better Choices, Better Results by Governor Martin O’Malley The great challenge of our time is this: how can we expand middle class opportunity to more people? Here in Maryland we understand that it’s only going to happen by investing in innovative solutions that work. We have a terrific workforce in our state, ready to step up in this economy. But technology and innovation happen at such a pace, especially when it comes to advanced manufacturing, that we can’t continue to do things in the old, slow, hierarchical bureaucratic way. If we’re serious about growing the economy, it’s imperative that government works with and for small businesses in ways that are as innovative as the businesses themselves. That’s why in 2009, we set as one of the key strategic goals of the O’Malley-Brown Administration, increasing the number of Marylanders who receive skills training by 20% by the end of 2018. It’s also why we created EARN Maryland. EARN Maryland is Maryland’s new workforce training initiative. Instead of looking at workforce development as another line item to toss at a bureaucracy, we’re saying - let’s support the sector that has the jobs to fill. I recently visited Pompeian, Inc., a small Baltimore olive oil and food production business, and an EARN participant. On October 13th, Pompeian will run the first full EARN Maryland Manufacturing Boot Camp. This Boot Camp training is offered free-of-charge to Marylanders looking to obtain new skills for good jobs in some of our most high-demand sectors; construction, advanced 16 October 2014 | Grace&Glory
manufacturing, cyber security, healthcare, biotech, transportation and more. It’s this sort of training that offers new ladders of opportunity to our workforce. Back in June we announced the 28 recipients of the 2014 EARN Maryland Implementation Grants – at an average of nearly $180,000. All told, we’ve awarded $5 million already to make more than 1,500 training slots available. Thanks in part to EARN Maryland, we’ve already increased job training for Marylanders by 15.3% – well on our way to hitting a 20% increase by the end of 2018. This is the kind of initiative that has led the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to name Maryland the number one state in America for three years in a row in innovation and entrepreneurship. It’s why we have the 2nd fastest rate of job growth in the region, creating jobs faster than Virginia and Pennsylvania, all of it in the private sector. Anyone who wants to find out how to participate in an EARN Maryland boot camp should visit www.dllr.state.md.us/earn.
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education digest
Turn It Off “For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven” Ecclesiastes 3:1
The last time I checked, I counted five televisions in my home. Currently, only three people reside there. There is a television on every floor. I watch the least amount of television in my home, about 6 hours a week. It goes without saying, I am a below average television viewer. According to the A.C. Nielsen Co., the average American watches more than 4 hours of TV each day (or 28 hours/week, or 2 months of nonstop TV-watching per year). There is an even more disturbing statistic. New findings from The Nielsen Company also show children aged 2-5 now spend more than 32 hours a week on average in front of a TV screen. The older segment of that group (ages 6-11) spend a little less time, about 28 hours per week watching TV, due in part that they are more likely to be attending school for longer hours. I am not anti-media. In fact, for the past 35 years or more, I have worked in the broadcast media as a television reporter. However, I am concerned that we have lost sight of the television off button. Perhaps this is now the season to reduce the number of hours our children are spending in front of the television, on their computers or playing their favorite video games. Television has come a long way. There was only one black and white television in our home. My parents controlled the on and off settings. I believe if there had been more than one set in our home and the types of cable programming to support them, I would have watched more. I am convinced now more than ever that there is a season for watching television and a season for turning it off, especially when it comes to our children. It’s now the season to pick up a book and read it aloud to our children. We should also require them to read books as well, they’ll thank us later. It’s been said that television ruins our imagination. I would have to agree that it has the potential of short-circuiting our creativity. I applaud some segments of the television and film industry for producing a variety of high quality and educationally sound videos and media material. Several years ago, my daughter asked me to record an audio Christmas book for my two grandsons. I went to a quiet place in her home and made the recording. The book has become a family favorite every year. It was my intent to set an example. I’m a proponent of modeling positive behaviors in the presence of our children. In other words, allow them to see you reading one of your favorite books. I recommend a best-seller, the Holy Bible. It’s a book full of life, hope, peace and joy. This week, monitor your own television viewing habits. Once you’ve done the math, decide if there’s a need to turn off the television in exchange for a book. I truly believe that what we model now will pay lasting dividends in the future as we seek to raise a generation of readers. Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr. is an Emmy-Award winning television journalist with WBAL-TV (NBC) in Baltimore where he covers the Education beat. He’s also the pastor and founder of Harvest Christian ministries in Baltimore County, Maryland. 18 18 October October2014 2014| |Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
Dr. Tim Tooten, Sr.
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woman’s perspective
One Saturday morning I was eating breakfast in a cafe. I was intrigued by the fresh fruit station and picked up a cup to put some fruit in. I noticed that it had a donut smudge on the side of it. I thought to myself I should get another clean cup. So I grabbed another cup and it also had another smudge on it. Now I didn’t want to be wasteful so at this point I was thinking what is going on, why are the cups dirty. Just then I looked down and discovered lo and behold I had some donut glaze on my thumb from the yummy donut I picked up right before stopping at the fruit salad. Then I looked at the stack of cups and realized they started off clean, I was the one smudging them. Naturally this brought an analogy to my mind. How many of us can relate to this analogy whether we realize it or not? I have come across so many women whose attitude is “I don’t do women” or “I’ve given up on men.” This statement is always a red flag for me of someone who doesn’t see their smudge. It is expected that we all will experience a few relational issues, such is life. But once you develop a pattern of relationships where you are “misunderstood” or “unappreciated” or “mistreated”, after a while the common denominator quite possibly is YOU. Unfortunately I believe this truth is too hard for some people to face just yet. I remember learning that the reason people faint or become unconscious is to protect the brain from processing too much pain so it just shuts down. I think so many people do the same thing emotionally, they just become unconscious. Totally unaware because they aren’t yet ready to face deeply painful truths. The unfortunate reality is though, until we face such difficult truths about ourselves, we remain unable to change in those areas. We can’t improve that which we will not acknowledge. So we keep blaming the “stack of cups” and everybody else as being the problem when really the problem and solution lies in one hard look in the mirror to see how we got the smudge on our thumbs. I especially find it sad for people in this predicament because I have been blessed to realize how much life is about relationships. I value them and pour into the relationships I have on many levels because I understand the value of people that you come across. It deeply grieves me to see people not able to attach to people long term and genuinely not realize that what they are bringing to the equation is causing the conflict. Now let me provide some balance. I’m not saying that one person is completely to blame all the time because in any relationship it takes two to build. But when it comes to people who have what I call the “friendship deficiency” (they aren’t able to keep genuine lasting friendships or relationship because they don’t possess enough of the “attaching” qualities such as selflessness, thoughtfulness, loyalty, patience, generosity, consideration, sacrifice, genuineness, honesty, or genuine love); these are people who I consider to have the donut smudge on their thumbs, every cup they come in contact with they will smudge and ruin relationships that really could have survived minus the emotional smudge. So what am I saying? We all need to really take time to evaluate ourselves. What do we carry or give off in our interactions with people? What do people really think of us? Who do people say we are when we’re not around? When we see unhealthy repetitions in our interactions with people, isn’t it time to look in the mirror? Chances are you don’t keep running into the same circumstances or attracting the same people by accident; and despite what feels comfortable to think, IT’S EVERYONE ELSE, let’s acknowledge our smudges, recognizing that we serve a God who is able to cleanse us and purify our smudges so that we have whole, healthy Tiffany Bethea relationships and interactions and Author | Speaker | Mompreneur live peaceably with all men as Founder & CEO/ The L.I.V.E. Circle instructed in the word. www.tiffanybethea 26 October October2014 2014||Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 26
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single life Driving down the highway with the sun beaming upon your face as you soak in the quietness of your space only with the sound of your favorite music humming in the background, romantic thoughts of that special someone fill your consciousness. You are smiling, on the inside, and smiling on the inside. The colorful scene of the warm fall colors captures your eyes as you drive. The greens, oranges, reds and yellows make a beautiful cascade of colors that add to the warm feeling you are experiencing coupled with your romantic vision. The change of seasons brings many new things as well as ending some old things from the previous season. Each new season brings a special nuisance that is particular to that season of time, and while you have experienced that season in the past . . . the reality is that this season does bring freshness . . . newness. Life is good. Life is wonderful. What could be better? You stop at the light. Reality check . . . you don’t have that significant person currently in your life . . . ahhhhh. As a single Christian waiting on God’s best for your life, that whole scene could be better if it was shared with that special person. That soul-mate. That person that you have been waiting and believing God for to share those special moments with . . . where is that person for me . . . that would make that scene much better !! The fall is personally one of my favorite times of the year. The beauty of nature and the changing of the seasons are so refreshing to me. Fall for me allows a perfect rest from the hectic summer months to prepare for the festive holiday celebration seasons soon approaching. The fall is also a great season to reflect and spend some much needed time on you, yourself and I. So often, we are busy with family, children, work, and church obligations that we omit the most important person in this equation and that person is YOU! May I suggest that you commit this season to fall in love with . . . yourself?? Really, you will find that taking this time will benefit you in so many ways in your journey as a single person. Honestly, relationships can be a little rough on the self-esteem. Maybe your last relationship left you a little fearful to trust others, or even trust yourself. Maybe you have given up completely on relationships and have decided that you are going to focus on_________, well you fill in the blanks. We have all been there. “I am good, I have my …..” Please keep reading if you are not too offended so far by me calling you on the carpet. We actually do not “fall in love”, we make a conscious decision to move deeper in a pursuit of the relationship, but it sounds romantic. Falling in love with yourself is a time to renew who you are and the person that you have evolved into while on your journey. Here are some suggestions to help you appreciate and enjoy, YOU! 1. Take ownership for where you are right now. Know that you are in God’s perfect will for your life. Know that nothing that happens to you is a surprise to God. He’s aware of your journey. 2. Celebrate your past. Yes, you read that correct. Celebrate the lessons you have learned from your previous relationships and the person that you have grown to be as a result of those experiences. Your experiences have 28 October 2014 | Grace&Glory 28
been a key factor in making and shaping you into the person you have become today. If you had omitted those experiences, you would not be the wonderful, person you are today. 3. Make an effort to laugh at yourself. Try not to take yourself or your situation so serious. Learn to laugh at life. Smile at bends and bumps in the road. Enjoy the unforeseen issues that could potentially bring despair. “A merry heart doeth good like a medicine”. Laughter brings healing that we need to our lives. 4. Begin to see yourself the way God sees you. This may require that you shift your vision of yourself to line up with the word of God. This will also require that you divorce yourself from the opinions of others as well. Here are a few scriptures from Ephesians to get you started: Ephesians 1:4, “Even before the world was made, God chose us for Himself because of His love. He planned that we should be holy and without blame as He sees us.” NLV Ephesians 1:6, “We thank God for His loving-favor to us. He gave this loving-favor to us through Hid much-loved Son.” NLV Ephesians 3:18, “I pray that you will be able to understand how wide and how long and how high and how deep his love is.” NLV Look at how much Father God loves us!! We are chosen by Him because of His love. Because He loved us, He gave His son for us. His love is so high and so deep for us!! When you begin to see how much God loves you…you can’t help but to fall in love...with YOU!!!
Dr. Monique Flemings Monique Flemings Ministries, Chicago, Illinois
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to your good health
BEHIND CLOSED DOORS
Most of us have heard about or seen the recent news reports of several NFL players being accused or charged with domestic violence involving their wife, girlfriend or fiancé. We have also seen them accused of sexual assault and child abuse. With this news comes the outcry of the public regarding the punishment of those involved in such behavior. Yet this behavior is not new and is not exclusive to the NFL. This is an international problem. Domestic violence affects persons in our homes, our families, and our churches, on our jobs, in our schools and in our neighborhoods. For too long crimes against women and children, have been thought to be only consigned to the poor. These current revelations show us is that domestic violence and child abuse is no respecter of a persons’ socioeconomic, racial or family background. We must hold persons accountable for their behavior yet also give them the space and hope to be transformed by a renewed mind. Hopefully the negative publicity for the sports world will help highlight the need for more options and services for victims and survivors of domestic violence and child abuse in general. This month marks the 20th anniversary of the Violence Against Women Act (VAWA). Passed by Congress in 1994, VAWA put in place strong protections against domestic violence, sexual assault, dating violence, and stalking. We have toughened the laws but those affected do not usually have the means to defend themselves against the threats, beatings, and ensuing homelessness that typically occur when a woman tries to escape her abuser. Just last year a colleague and I assisted in helping loved ones deal with the death of a mother, friend and fellow church worker at the hands of her estranged husband. 30 October 2014 | Grace&Glory
Domestic violence is not someone else’s problem to solve. The church has the power and the resources to assist those who need to rebuild their lives after going through abuse and living in fear. It’s our mission to help those who are the ‘least of these’ in Jesus’ eyes. We are called to be our brother and sister’s Carla J. keeper. The church needs to Debnam, MS, LCPC become a place of refuge and Founder, not a place that covers for Renaissance Christian Counseling Center the abuser by not properly interpreting the scriptures. The use of submission and divorce passages to keep women in a dangerous environment is inexcusable. We can all take a stand against domestic violence and child abuse by standing in the gap for the abuser and the abused. By donating to shelters and programs that help those affected by abuse. By being the voice in the wilderness crying out against all forms of violence against men, women and children. There are also a number of men affected by relationship violence. Let’s be attentive to all who are in need of the healing only Jesus can offer. Instead of passing judgment on the victim, the abuser and the situation they find themselves in, we should be compassionate towards them in order to restore them to a healthy lifestyle that encourages loving themselves and each other, as they would like to be loved. The Golden Rule is for us all to remember and apply in all of our relationships.
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bookshelf
Book Shelf “Enjoy this month’s book review of Francine Rivers’ Redeeming Love written by my friend Siobhan Saulsbury.” - Brandie
Redeeming Love By Francine Rivers
There are some books you have to read more than once to get the full effect; and there are some books you read over and over because they continue to draw you inRedeeming Love by Francine Rivers falls into both of these categories. Redeeming Love is a retelling of the story of Hosea from the Bible. Don’t remember what that was all about? Here’s a quick refresher: God instructed the prophet Hosea to marry a harlot named Gomer. Their relationship had many ups and downs as you’d guess, but it served a purpose. Hosea was a representation of God and Gomer represented Israel. No matter how many times Israel turned her back on God and prostituted herself with other gods, God rescued her and continued to love her every time. In this version, we read about the lives of Michael and Angel. Instead of Bible times, it’s during the California gold rush. When God calls Michael to marry Angel, who was sold into prostitution as a child, he obeys. Obviously, this isn’t going to be easy for either of them! This story is so amazing because it is a beautiful illustration of God’s love for us. We are all like Angel. We have a past. We’ve been hurt. We do things or have things done to us that make us feel unworthy. We develop bitterness over various circumstances. We may find it hard to recognize genuine love when it’s offered because of our own callousness. And so many other things that we think 32 October 2014 | Grace&Glory
by Brandie Manigault
disqualify us from God’s love. But like Michael, God doesn’t care about our past. He soothes our hurt. He doesn’t count what we’ve done or what’s been done to us against us. He offers freedom from bitterness and shame. He shows us over and over what true, unconditional love is all about. The best thing about this book though, is that fact that it all points to God’s love. Even in the story, Angel
experiences something like God’s love through Michael but it’s really through God and His unfailing love that her redemption truly comes. I’m not generally a fan of romancetype material, but when it’s about the love of the Father... it gets me every time. Redeeming Love just makes you grateful all over again for God’s amazing love toward us; so that even while we were still sinners, God sent His only Son to die for us. WOW! That should give everyone who reads it a little boost of confidence, because no matter where you are, what you’ve done or what you’re going through there is One who loves you unconditionally.
About the Author
Francine Rivers
Francine Rivers began her literary career at the University of Nevada, Reno, where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in English and Journalism. From 1976 to 1985, she had a successful writing career in the general market and her books were awarded or nominated for numerous awards and prizes. Although raised in a religious home, Francine did not truly encounter Christ until later in life, when she was already a wife, mother of three, and an established romance novelist. Shortly after becoming a born-again Christian in 1986, Francine wrote Redeeming Love as her statement of faith. Francine and her husband Rick live in Northern California and enjoy the time spent with their three grown children and every opportunity to spoil their five grandchildren. She uses her writing to draw closer to the Lord, and that through her work she might worship and praise Jesus for all He has done and is doing in her life.
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word on finances
Getting money is not having money. So many people need a paradigm shift in their thinking as it relates to having money. According to the Word of God, money is not supposed to control you; you are supposed to control it. You cannot be the slave of two masters. You will like one more than the other or be more loyal to one than to the other. You cannot serve God and money. (LUKE 16:13 CEV) The word control means the following: 1. To have power over 2. To keep 3. Check, test, verify by evidence and experience 4. To exercise restraining or directing influence over When your money is out of control, then you are a servant to it. When you are in control of your money then your money is serving you. It is time for you to take control of your finances so that you can have more money to serve you and others. One great financial expert said, “Money flows into your life according to your ability to handle it.” God has given you the power to control your finances so that you can get wealth. Until you control your finances you will never reach wealth-status. The Bible gives us wisdom and power to start taking control of our finances.
That Will Lead You To
Taking Control of Your Finances
Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson II These principles cannot be written or reproduced without the expressed written permission of Dr. Kenneth O. Robinson Jr.
(9) Scriptural Ways to Control Your Finances
1. Organize your Bills: Take the time to determine your cash inflows and outflows. Write them down or find a money-organizing program like Quicken, Money Tract, etc... 2. Confront your debt: Record all your debts and then speak to them. 3. Negotiate your debt: Be willing to negotiate with your creditors a lower interest rate or a payoff amount. 4. Establish a written budget: Set some boundaries on what you spend. 5. Shave your spending: You cannot stop all your spending but you can begin to buy less of what you need and want. 6. Develop a habit of saving: Start saving a little of everything you earn. It’s not the amount; it’s the habit you want to develop. 7. Stabilize the tithe: Giving is God’s proof that you have conquered greed. Start tithing consistently. 8. Invest money to get the right information: Getting financial information will change your thinking about money. Be willing to pay for a financial seminar. 9. Find a real financial mentor: Find someone who is doing well financially and ask them what they do. Don’t ask for their money, ask for their wisdom. (Proverbs 13:20) The one who associates with the wise grows wise, but a companion of fools suffers harm. (Proverbs 13:20 NET) 34 October October 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 34
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teen connect
From installing baby gates to fastening bike helmets and seat belts, parents put their kids’ safety first. But once kids hit adolescence, the risks can become less obvious. When it comes to teen dating violence, for example, many parents are blind to the risk and so don’t offer the help their children may need. Even when parents recognize teen dating abuse, their attempts to intervene can be off-target and often go ignored. Given the alarming prevalence of teen dating abuse, all parents should become educated on risks and warning signs. Simply recognizing abuse, however, isn’t enough; parents also need to know how to talk to their teens when they suspect abuse, or they risk pushing their child closer to the abuser. Learn to identify abuse and follow these steps to create your own teen dating-abuse action plan. Wake up to the risk Many parents falsely assume their child isn’t at risk for dating abuse. In truth, teen dating abuse affects both males and females in all parts of the country and from all walks of life. One in 10 high school students reports being hit, slapped or physically hurt by his or her boyfriend or girlfriend in the past year, according to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC). And one in four adolescents report verbal, physical, emotional or sexual abuse by their boyfriend or girlfriend. The numbers are just as worrisome for young adults in college. According to Liz Claiborne Inc.’s Love Is Not Abuse 2011 College Dating Violence and Abuse Poll, nearly half of dating college women report having experienced violent or abusive behavior at some point in their dating lives, and one in five report actual physical or sexual abuse or threats of physical violence. Even if young people aren’t being abused themselves, chances are they know someone who is. “The reality is this is an issue that could affect anyone at any time. None of us are immune from it,” www.besmartbewell.com says Marjorie Gilberg, executive director of Break the Cycle, a leading national nonprofit organization addressing teen dating violence. Watch for red flags Despite the prevalence of teen dating abuse, many parents remain uninformed. Of teens who reported being victims of physical abuse, only 10 percent of their parents were aware of the abuse, according to a 2009 survey. That may be because parents are missing the signs. Abuse can take many
Teen Dating Abuse
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forms and doesn’t always result in obvious bruises or cuts. This list of potential warning signs, compiled by the National Teen Dating Helpline, can help parents determine if their teen is in an abusive relationship. Warning signs include: • Your teen’s partner is extremely jealous or possessive. Your teen’s partner emails or texts excessively. • You notice that your son or daughter is depressed or anxious. • Your son or daughter stops participating in extracurricular activities or other interests. • Your teen stops spending time with other friends and family. • Your teen’s partner abuses other people or animals. • Your teen begins to dress differently. • You notice unexplained marks or bruises. Learn about digital abuse Digital abuse, or the use of technologies such as texting and social networking to bully, harass, stalk or intimidate a partner, can be particularly difficult for parents to spot. Yet more than half (56 percent) of teens have been victims of social and digital media abuse, according to the 2011 APMTV Digital Abuse Study. The average teen exchanges nearly 3,500 messages each month, according to Nielsen, which makes it hard for parents to distinguish between typical teen behavior and digital abuse. A high volume of texts alone is not necessarily worrisome, Gilberg says. It’s the nature of the texts between relationship partners that can raise concern. “If there’s a lot of the ‘w’ questions–where are you, who are you with, what are you doing, why are you doing it, when are you going to call me–that’s not healthy behavior,” she explains. Gilberg advises parents pay close attention to their phone bill to see if there’s an inordinate volume from one particular person. How to talk teens Parents who suspect that their teen is a victim of digital abuse or controlling behavior should tread cautiously. While a parent’s first instinct may be to forbid all future contact with the suspected abuser, that’s not always the best approach. “Saying ‘you can’t see him, you can’t see her; you can’t go here, you can’t go there,’ often drives them closer to the abuser,” Gilberg cautions. A more effective approach may be to show the teen that parents support him or her, no matter what. Parents should make a point of empowering their teens by letting them know they are entitled to respect and love and that no form of abuse is acceptable. “Don’t judge, offer help,” Gilberg says. Let them know that you’re concerned for their safety. Where to go for help If a teenager won’t confide in parents, be sure he or she knows there are other sources of help. Point teens to LoveIsRespect.org (the website of the National Teen Dating Helpline), encourage them to call the Helpline at 1-866-331-9474, or tell them to text “loveis” to 77054 for support and help from a peer advocate. Confidential help is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Safe Pulpits & Safe Congregations
We are asking Pastors, Clergy and Faith Leaders to committ to bringing Domestic Violence Awareness through “Faith in Actions” during the month of October 2014. This charge of committment can done by holding a prayer vigil for family Violence, preaching/teaching a sermon that supports victims/survivors, holding educational workshop/seminars on domestic violence or create a support group in your congregation for victims/survivors. Thank you for your support! IT DOES MAKE A DIFFERENCE! IT WILL SAVE A LIFE!
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word of encouragemet
For God so greatly loved and dearly prized the world that He [even] gave up His only begotten (unique) Son, so that whoever believes in (trusts in, clings to, relies on) Him shall not perish (come to destruction, be lost) but have eternal (everlasting) life. For God did not send the Son into the world in order to judge (to reject, to condemn, to pass sentence on) the world, but that the world might find salvation and be made safe and sound through Him. He who believes in Him [who clings to, trusts in, relies on Him] is not judged [he who trusts in Him never comes up for judgment; for him there is no rejection, no condemnation—he incurs no damnation]; but he who does not believe (cleave to, rely on, trust in Him) is judged already [he has already been convicted and has already received his sentence] because he has not believed in and trusted in the name of the only begotten Son of God. [He is condemned for refusing to let his trust rest in Christ’s name.] [John 3:16-18 -- Amplified Bible] This is how much God loved the world: He gave his Son, his one and only Son. And this is why: so that no one need be destroyed; by believing in him, anyone can have a whole and lasting life. God didn’t go to all the trouble of sending his Son merely to point an accusing finger, telling the world how bad it was. He came to help, to put the world right again. Anyone who trusts in him is acquitted; anyone who refuses to trust him has long since been under the death sentence without knowing it. And why? Because of that person’s failure to believe in the one-of-a-kind Son of God when introduced to him. [John 3:16-18 -- The Message Bible]
♦ ♦ ♦ There is a song that tells us to, “Go tell it on the mountains, over the hills and everywhere.” In other words, we are commissioned to tell this lost and dying world of God’s unwavering love and faithfulness. The Good News is this: For God so greatly loved the world that He gave - He gave Himself in the form of Jesus Christ, His Only Begotten Son. Webster Dictionary described love as “an unselfish, loyal and benevolent concern for the good of another”. Jesus was the ultimate expression of God’s love for mankind. When God so selflessly sent His Son into the world to die for our sins, it was love that motivated Him. It did not matter to God that He had seen our betrayal and denial of Him before the foundation of the world, He still made the decision that He wanted us and would give His Son’s life as a ransom for ours. As we watch all the things happening in the world right now, we need to be out in this chaotic world being living epistles read of men. We need to be out in the world letting others know that they too can be safe and secure with a God that promised that He would never leave us nor forsake us. Someone on your block, in your development, on your job, at the Laundromat needs to know the love of our Father -- God. It is imperative that we share the Good News, that Jesus willingly paid the price for the sins of all mankind. God’s love for us can be found in 1st Corinthians 13:4-8, “Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does 40 October October 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 40
not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails.” So regardless of what you are faced with today, sickness, financial lack, fear, anxiety, marital problems, estrangement with your children, etc., remember that God is love and love is the message that we are sharing in this world today. I encourage you to spread the News! I encourage you to let everyone you meet, know how much God loves them and has forgiven them of all their sins. All they have to do is to accept God’s love and free gift by acknowledging Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior [Romans 10:9-10]. Prayer: Father, in the Name of Jesus, thank You for the ultimate expression of Your Love -- allowing Your Son to die in my place. Had You not allowed the death, burial and resurrection of Your Son I know that I Donna Jennifer was destined for hell and [Royalty] Ross I thank You for that love, In Trust Ministries amen. dwilliamsross@aol.com
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God’s Heart for Ethiopia...
Twenty-three years ago, God planted a seed in my heart to serve in Africa...but it would be twenty-three years later that God would give me an opportunity to serve in Ethiopia. Our mission was to warn families about human trafficking; share the gospel in remote villages and (prayerfully) plant new churches. It was at a very young age, I realized my God given gift of empathy, but it wasn’t until later that I would experience God’s heart for justice. First, God broke my heart for persecuted Christians around the world, and then He sent a dear friend to serve trafficked victims in Thailand, and later made it even more personal through the firsthand account of what our adopted daughter from the Philippines had witnessed with her friends being taken by traffickers. It was then that I became an advocate for the voiceless women and children who were being trafficked both locally and globally. “O Lord, you hear the desire of the afflicted; you will strengthen their heart; you will incline your ear to do justice to the fatherless & the oppressed, so that man who is of this earth, may strike terror no more.” (Psalm 10:17-18) When I traveled to Ethiopia, I got to see and hear the root causes of international trafficking firsthand. The majority of the families I met had already trafficked a child, sometimes even two or three of their own children. They did not know that their children had been sent off to a life of slavery--they had truly been deceived. They believed the lie the traffickers told them; the traffickers had convinced them that their child would be given an education or a good job that would provide them with a better life. One family we visited in a remote village high atop a large mountain, told us, “We just sent our daughter last week,” and I couldn’t help but think, Lord, why didn’t we come sooner? The trafficker had gone to great lengths to come and recruit their daughter Marie. Why was there no one there to warn them of the danger their daughter faced? Her parents went on to ask, “Can you help us find our daughter?” The weight of the reality of what they had unwittingly done has pierced my heart forever. Another family said, “[Our daughter] called once. She was afraid, but we never heard from her again. That was two years ago.” In another village, we heard that the high school had been shut down because all of the boys and girls were trafficked out of that village. Stories like these of real-life families in the remote villages outside of Bahir Dar, Ethiopia continue to drive me to seek justice on behalf of the voiceless in every corner of the world. These children were made in the image of God. As their sister in Christ, it is my burden to share their stories, advocate against trafficking and continue to pray for them. “He has told you, O man, what is good: and what the Lord requires of you but to do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8) After sharing about trafficking by using the e3 Partners “Priceless Cube”, we then used the “Evangecube” to share the gospel with them. As they learned about what they had done to their children, we prayed through the grief they were visibly experiencing. The hope of the gospel helped them go on. Their pain was palpable, but the message of the gospel was the eternal gift that bound us together in Christ. Each family, each child, each story that they told is forever imbedded in my heart as a reminder of how God sees it all and uses it all for His glory. I prayed for God’s justice, His mercy and His unconditional love to pour out upon each of these precious children. “Therefore the Lord longs to be gracious to you, and therefore He waits on high to have compassion on you. For the Lord is a God of justice, how blessed are those who long for Him.” (Isaiah 30:18) It is only as you visit with the Ethiopians and learn more about their everyday lives that I began to realize how much suffering and hardship they endure every day. It is then that I understood why they would send their child off with a stranger to another city or even another country. Over 42 October 2014 | Grace&Glory
551,000 young women have been trafficked into the Middle East over the past 10 years. As I was leaving Addis Ababa, after my first trip to Ethiopia, we witnessed over 400 girls board flights for the Middle East. All we could do was pray and that we did fervently. My heart broke for these women. Some seemed hopeful for what the future may hold, while others were clearly concerned for what was to become of them. That night I experienced trafficking in such a way that I wept for those who had already gone. I prayed Jesus come have your way in their lives! After three trips to Ethiopia I can say that God has forever changed my heart for the oppressed, He has strengthened my fight for justice, and caused me to surrender each victim to Him. I cannot fix this or change it for all of them, but we can warn Ethiopian families and share the hope of the gospel to change the future of Ethiopia. Through the power of His Spirit in God’s people this can be accomplished. It’s a privilege and honor to serve the Lord in Ethiopia. God has forever entwined my heart with the Ethiopians. The words of William Wilberforce shared at the end of “The Nefarious Documentary”, continue to ring in my ears, “You may choose to look the other way, but you can never say again that you did not know.” Please join me in praying over these Ten Prayer Requests: 1. Victims of trafficking – God would provide for them physically, emotionally & spiritually. 2. Prime Minister, Hailemariam Desalegn – an Evangelical Christian - would continue to fight to stop trafficking in Ethiopia. 3. Families approached by traffickers – recognize the evil deceivers and call for help. 4. Trafficker’s hearts would be convicted and they would turn from their evil ways. 5. Victims would be rescued and returned home to their families. 6. God would raise up more teams to warn about trafficking and share the gospel in Northern Ethiopia (within the 10/40 window). 7. Pastors and church leaders in Ethiopia would have strength, courage, perseverance and protection to continue proclaiming the name of Jesus. 8. Churches would continue to be planted in Northern Ethiopia so that they can lead the lost to Jesus and minister to the families who have already sent their kids. 9. More advocates would join the fight against trafficking around the world. 10. God’s heart for Justice would be taught globally in churches. Andrea served at the Saddleback Church under the leadership of renowned Pastor Rick Warren (The Purpose Driven Life) where she oversaw small groups, baptism & communion. She currently serves as the Director of Global & Local Impact at Rancho Community Church, Temecula, CA. She leads major initiatives in Ethiopia against sex trafficking.
Andrea Ireland
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gospel industry news
Gospel
By Ericka J.
The Walls Group I can remember watching You Tube clips of these guys and I was in pure amazement that at such a young age, they had so much vocal control, harmony, pitch, placement, and ability; I was just blown away. I knew it would be just a matter of time before somebody, the right person heard them, and took them under their wing, and guess what somebody did! The incomparable Kirk Franklin! They have an undeniable sound and pureness in singing ability and anointing straight out of Houston, Texas. One of my favorite songs “Perfect People” has blazed the airways and stays on repeat with me. I can honestly say I love the album and it was worth the wait. Featured on the album is the one and only Brandy, a vocal powerhouse! LaCrae the hip-hopologist is blazing the album as well. It’s definitely one you want to add to your playlist. While they are young they don’t just have music for youth but for the soul and spirit of any age.
Virtue The female trio is returning to the Gospel Music Scene with a new look and a new sound. It’s been about 8 years since we’ve heard anything from these ladies. However they’ve definitely left their imprint on the Gospel Female Group trail giving us some awesome gospel music in the past. Their new single “You Deserve” was written by Fred Jerkins and Alvin Garrett. The single has been released and is buzzing. The full album is due to be released in 2015 on their new label, Mixed Bag Entertainment founded by Gospel Rapper “Da Truth”
The Showers They are one of the newest family groups making some noise in the industry right now. The group is comprised of 10 actual bloodline siblings out of Louisiana. The new single “Better” was written by my friend Deon Kipping, “Incredible God”, out of Connecticut. The proof is in the charts! The single is on Billboards Top 40 and rising! Check it out! 44 44 October October 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory
Charles Jenkins & Fellowship Chicago They are back, with a fall single release titled “WAR”. It’s their War Cry Chicago Style. “Awesome” did amazing on the charts and won many awards. Good ole church choir music is always good. Looking forward to the 2015 release of their project.
gospel industry news
Music
JJ Hairston I’m excited about this new release from JJ Hairston & Youthful Praise titled “I See Victory” on Light Records. I’m a super fan of not just their amazing sound but their undeniable anointing. They do it for me every time!!!! If you have not had an opportunity to see them live make it your business to make that happen. Their single “It Pushed Me” blesses my soul and I believe it speaks to every believer, a song that tells a story we can relate to. The new project features Donnie McClurkin, Karen Clark-Sheard, VaShawn Mitchell, Jason Nelson, and Deon Kipping. Grab it! Get It! Let it Bless You! Available October 28th!
Andrea Helms If you were wondering where that sweet voice of praise & worship from Sunday’s Best Season 4 has been . . . VERY BUSY working on her solo project. She has signed to Dream Gospel and is set to release her project this month October 27. “I want people to know how big Jesus is thru what I sing; I want them to know he is real. I’m excited about this new chapter in my life and I can’t wait to have you all hear it.”
Top 5 Gospel Songs All I Need Is You – LaCrae
Anomaly – LaCrae
Say Yes – Michelle Williams feat. Beyoncé & Kelly Rowland
Journey To Freedom – Michelle Williams
Say I Won’t – LaCrae
Fast Forward – The Walls Group
Nuthin – LaCrae LaCRAE Congrats to you making history!!!! The FIRST Gospel Album EVER to top Billboards Top 200, charting over Maroon 5, R&B Artist Jhene Aiko, and Rocker Ryan Adams taking THE #1 SPOT!!!
Top 5 Gospel Albums
Every Praise – Hezekiah Walker, Azusa Next Generation
Best Days – Tamela Mann Forever Yours – Smokie Norful
Til Next Month! It’s harvest time! Reap what you have sown! Get yours!! www.gracenglorymagazine.org 45 www.gracenglorymagazine.org 45
man talk
By Alan L. Jones
In light of and in spite of things going on in the world that appear to be ‘out of control’, it warms my heart to know that God is yet “IN CONTROL”. The media has a tendency to broadcast situations as if it has never happened before. Contrary to their belief, things such as child abuse, domestic violence, and murder, just to name a few, have been going on since the beginning of time. These situations aren’t going to change, but the good news is that prayer changes people, which will ultimately have a positive effect on the situations that arise. These specific situations do not take God by surprise. Some may question that if God is “IN CONTROL” then why would He allow this to happen? Well the answer to that is: free will. God will not impose or force His will upon anyone to do the right thing. We all have been given the power of free will to do as we please or will to do. As I live, says the Lord God, “I have no pleasure in the death of the wicked, but that the wicked turn from his way and live” (Ezekiel 33:11). As Believers we must know and understand that we have also been given additional power to overcome our personal will in order to perform His. “You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world” (1 John 4:4). Everything has a purpose. Whose plan will we attach that purpose to; the enemy’s plan is to steal, kill and destroy or God’s plan… “For I know the thoughts that I think toward you, says the Lord, thoughts of peace and not of evil, to give you a future and a hope” (Jeremiah 29:11). This could be where the media has its place/purpose in our life during this day and age. We have to get our minds right and use the media as a resource to change people through prayer. When the media attacks and exposes the enemy we have to be mindful to see it as it is… a fight. This is when we have to get ourselves and opinions out of the way and allow the spirit of God to get in (Ephesians 6:12). We cannot be deceived by 46 October October 2014 2014 || Grace&Glory Grace&Glory 46
seeing this battle as others do. The people that the media is exposing need your prayers, not your opinions. This is not to offend anyone in the media for doing their job. It is to encourage believers to step up and do our jobs… pray. The fight is not fair. The enemy does not care who he uses to win. In fact if we are not careful he’ll use us too. “Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil walks about like a roaring lion, seeking whom he may devour” (1 Peter 5:8). It wouldn’t be fair or realistic of us to think that we are not going to talk about people’s foolishness and give our opinions about it. I guess that’s just part of our human frailty and makeup. But just remember that after it’s all said and done, why not have another talk about them with the One that actually cares about them and can use their foolishness just like He did ours. “But God has chosen the foolish things of the world to shame the wise,” (1 Corinthians 1:27). SELAH. I said all that to say, “Prayer can change people”. I am a living witness, and if “truth be told”, there are people that know me that can testify that I have not always been the God fearing, righteous man that I am today. God kept His hands on me because of the prayers of the righteous. “The effective, fervent prayer of a righteous man avails much” (James 5:16). And when I decided that I just couldn’t do it on my own, He rebuked the enemy long enough for me to make an intelligent decision to choose Him and do it His way. So, don’t give up on people based on their actions, let your actions be based on the Word of God. “For with God nothing will be impossible” (Luke 1:37). Alan L. Jones is retired from the U.S. Army with 20+ years. He currently works as a civilian at the Fort Meade Army Base in Maryland. He resides in Owings Mills, MD with his wife. A husband, father, grandfather... Alan is a family man dedicated to seeing everyone reach their full potential in Christ.
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